Contact-free coronavirus mass testing supported by FANUC-Robot

BoKa Automatisierung has developed a new, contactless solution for coronavirus testing.

Instead of medical personnel, the prototype machine uses a video system and a FANUC robot to guide tests and collect samples.

FANUC believes if put into practice, the innovative system could reduce the risk of infection at test stations and free up urgently needed medical personnel for work in hospitals, nursing homes and public health agencies.

The fully automated test works either as a "drive-in" or “walk by” procedure. Those suspected of having contracted coronavirus approach the test station by car or on foot and video instructions guide them step by step through the process.

A FANUC robot scans the barcode and hands over the test stick to the technician, who performs the test independently with the help of video instructions. Finally, the robot takes over the used test tube and stores it until it is transported to the laboratory.

As the video system and robots perform a number of the important steps, a doctor can control several test stations simultaneously. This reduces the workload on other physicians and facilities that are mass testing. The automated system could also be used to perform quick tests.

As the test system is designed for two people at the same time, around 500 samples could be collected contact-free per day and per system in 24-hour continuous operation.

Severin Bobon, co-owner of BoKa Automatisierung, said: "To ensure that each test is useable, the swab collection can be monitored via camera transmission by a medically-trained person. Depending on the length of the explanatory video, a test takes between four and six minutes."

The cell uses a six-axis FANUC LR Mate 200iD/7L long-arm robot with 911 mm reach. To save space, the control system is located under the worktable. To keep the work surface in the cell free for trays of test tubes, the robot is suspended. This allows the LR Mate to work to both sides of the worktable.

If the prototype designed by BoKa Automatisierung is well received in the healthcare sector, the contact-free coronavirus test could soon be ready for use.